Computer Science 126
General Computer Science
Spring 2013

COURSE INFORMATION

Course description.
An introduction to computer science in the context of scientific, engineering,
and commercial applications. The goal of the course is to teach basic principles
and practical issues, while at the same time preparing students to use computers
effectively for applications in computer science, physics, biology, chemistry,
engineering, and other disciplines. Topics include: programming in Java;
hardware and software systems; algorithms and data structures; fundamental
principles of computation; and scientific computing, including simulation,
optimization, and data analysis.

Instructor.
Doug Clark.

Lectures.
Lectures meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am and at 11 am.

Computing facilities.
Undergraduate lab TAs are available most evenings
in Friend Center 017 to provide general help with using
your operating system and assist with debugging your programs
(Mon thru Fri 7-11pm, Sat 2-6pm, Sun 5-11pm).
Here is the
Lab TA
home page.

Online forum.
If you have general questions about the assignments, lectures, textbook,
or other course materials,
please post via Piazza.
Posts marked private are viewable only by instructors.
Never post
assignment code to Piazza. Doing so publicly violates the collaboration policy, but even privately it is difficult for us to read large chunks of code in Piazza.
If your question requires us to look
at your java file(s), consider office hours, the lab, or this two-step
approach:
(1) ask a general question describing your problem;
(2) if you're still stuck afterwards,
upload your files to the assignment dropbox and ask your specific
question in a private post (mention that you uploaded to dropbox).

Regrading policy.
Occasionally, we make mistakes.
To request a regrade: write a brief note indicating the perceived mistake
by the grader, attach it to your graded work, and give it to your preceptor
within two weeks of when the graded work was returned.

Exams. There are 2 two-part exams during
the semester. No final exam.

Exam 1 (Written) is during lecture on Tuesday, March 12.
Exam 1 (Programming) is during the evening on Thursday, March 14.

Exam 2 (Written) is during lecture on Tuesday, April 30.
Exam 2 (Programming) is during the evening on Monday, April 29.

No makeup exams will be considered without a Dean's recommendation and
our preapproval.

Programming assignments and final project.
There are weekly programming assignments plus a final programming project,
usually due Mondays at 9pm, beginning February 11.